The realistic depiction of milieu, drama and fateful tragedy made Carmen a precursor of verismo. Because of this depiction of the plot, which was perceived as "crass" by the audience, the premiere at the Opéra-Comique on March 3, 1875, was received rather disapprovingly. Soon thereafter, however, Carmen became one of the greatest global successes in opera history, although the composer did not live to see it.